Cultural transformation through a DEI lens
On 5th June 2024 we were delighted to host an intimate forum in Newcastle on the topic of cultural transformation, in partnership with Sharon MacArthur - Menopause in the Workplace and Recite Me. The session was packed with smart, straightforward advice that attendees could begin implementing immediately - so let's unpack what was shared.
Assessing Cultural Maturity with the Clear Company
The Clear Company's Cultural Maturity Model helps organisations evaluate their current cultural state and determine their desired culture. It outlines stages ranging from 'unaware or toxic cultures,' - where leaders fail to recognise the importance of culture, allowing toxic subcultures to emerge - all the way through to 'optimal performance cultures,' where positive cultural exemplars and market innovators thrive.
Top tips for assessing cultural maturity
Assess both formal (processes, systems, reward mechanisms etc.) and informal (symbols, communication, routine etc.) aspects of culture.
Provide frameworks and guidance to address non-inclusive behaviours.
Remember that DEI is a learning process for everyone, as we all have been raised in societies where certain groups are considered less than others.
Depending on the intent and impact, behaviours should be classified as clumsy, inappropriate, or intolerable. This classification determines the appropriate response, ranging from education to formal action.
Making Menopause Business as Usual with Miss Menopause
Menopause affects women for up to a third of their lives and with increasing pension ages in the UK, it is more likely to coincide with their working years. Therefore, it is essential to focus on inclusion for health and safety, mental well-being, attraction, retention, and the overall employee experience.
Initiatives often fail because of a lack of communication, insufficient sponsorship, and organisations making the process overly complicated.
Top tips for making menopause business as usual
Starting with the end in mind is crucial, so define clear goals and maintain action plans.
Engage senior teams and sponsors as they can drive initiatives and share their personal experiences.
Set clear accountabilities and responsibilities for both line managers and individuals to ensure a balanced approach.
There is no need for a separate menopause policy; instead, integrate menopause considerations into existing policies. Leverage the resources you have before creating new ones
Believing in Accessibility for All with Recite Me
Over 1 billion people live with disabilities, and more than 2.2 billion people have visual impairments, according to the WHO. Additionally, around 20% of the population is neurodivergent.
Digital accessibility is not only the right thing to do to make your web content inclusive to all people, but it is also the smart thing to do. Making your business available to a wider audience enhances the user experience, increases web traffic, engagement, and ultimately leads to more sales conversions.
Top tips for improving digital accessibility
Add ALT text to images, use descriptive links, ensure sufficient colour contrast, use headings to structure content, and avoid jargon and acronyms.
Keep it simple with straightforward and cost-effective solutions, and make these steps a part of any digital content you produce.
For more tips, refer to Reciteme’s website and their button on websites .